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Meadowlark Optics invests in ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Quantum Scholars

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:38:18 +0000

Meadowlark Optics invests in ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Quantum Scholars Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 01/29/2026 - 12:38

Kirsten Apodaca

CU graduate and Meadowlark employee Connor Wolenski (MS,ElEngr) tests a spatial light modulator. This Meadowlark product manipulates and positions atoms in quantum research and quantum computers.

In a recent gift to the Quantum Scholars program, local optics company Meadowlark Optics is generously supporting $70,000 in scholarships for undergraduates exploring the quantum field at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Created through a partnership between the Department of Physics and the College of Engineering and Applied Science, Quantum Scholars provides students with scholarship support, talks by prominent quantum scientists and industry leaders, professional development opportunities, and connections to employment and internships.

The financial support from Meadowlark Optics comes at a critical time for Quantum Scholars, which has quickly grown to meet student demand since its inception three years ago. Over 150 students are in the program this spring with about half receiving scholarships sponsored by alumni, industry partners and external organizations.

Meadowlark’s roots

Founded by alumnus Tom Baur (MS,Astrogeophys’69), Meadowlark’s history traces back to humble beginnings. Baur hadn’t exactly planned on being an entrepreneur.

While measuring magnetic fields on the sun at the High Altitude Observatory (HAO) as part of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Baur developed several product ideas. He soon decided to go commercial. Baur explains “I had run out of challenges at HAO and it was time for a new chapter.”

With no prior business experience besides farming and ranching, Baur launched the company in 1979 – first out of his home, then later expanding to the barn and chicken coop.

Nearly 47 years later, Meadowlark Optics has expanded several times over. The company recently acquired Boulder Nonlinear Systems and added a state-of-the-art facility to their headquarters in Frederick, Colorado. Baur says his wife, Jeanne, was instrumental in developing the 80-acre business park where Meadowlark operates.

An industry leader in polarization systems, Meadowlark Optics supports a number of fields including the rapidly growing quantum industry. Described as a “pick-and-shovels” company, they design and manufacture many of the optical components that quantum companies use to develop advanced quantum systems.

Jeanne and Tom Baur

Supporting the next generation of quantum leaders

As the founder of Meadowlark Optics and a ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� graduate school alumnus, Tom and his wife Jeanne Baur have supported several initiatives at the university.

In 2020, the Baurs partnered with SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, to establish an endowed chair in optics and photonics, currently held by Cindy Regal, professor of physics and JILA fellow.

Tom Baur has also served on the Department of Physics Advisory Board for the last several years, providing advice and valuable connections to the department. Thanks in large part to his advocacy, the department has forged stronger connections with industry partners through the advisory board and by establishing an annual Physics and Quantum Career & Internship Fair.

He recalls hearing about Quantum Scholars from Mike Ritzwoller, professor of distinction and co-founder of Quantum Scholars, about the quality of students in the program and how well-received it has been.

“It seemed like a good program to support,” said Tom Baur. “At Meadowlark Optics, we’ve hired a number of graduates from ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� over the years, so it made sense as a company to support CU in a manner that helps them continue to lead the nation in quantum research.”

Tom Baur talks with a student at the 2025 Physics and Quantum Career & Internship Fair.

Supporting the emerging workforce is key to strengthening the growing quantum industry and related businesses. Tom Baur adds, “there’s a real need for students at the bachelor’s level to support cutting-edge research in this field.”

The Baurs and Meadowlark Optics have made a lasting impact on the Quantum Scholars program. “The program’s success owes a great deal to their generosity and to the steadfast support of Meadowlark Optics,” says Ritzwoller. “The program thrives because of friends like the Baurs, whose dedication and belief in our students make all the difference.”

The Baurs were particularly moved by a scholar’s experience struggling to maintain good grades while working a second job. They hope Meadowlark Optics’ gift to Quantum Scholars will support and encourage students, allowing them to focus on their studies as much as possible.

And every little bit helps. Hoping the contribution from Meadowlark Optics will inspire others to donate, Jeanne Baur adds, “it doesn’t have to be a big gift to make an impact.”

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Tom Baur talks with a student at the 2025 Physics and Quantum Career & Internship Fair.

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If at first you don’t succeed: Outstanding grad’s perseverance pays off

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 15:48:40 +0000

If at first you don’t succeed: Outstanding grad’s perseverance pays off Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 12/23/2025 - 08:48

Quantum Scholar Hero Trent had a rocky start to her college career at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. But she faced the challenge head on, and now she's been named outstanding graduate in engineering physics and she landed a job at Quantinuum, thanks in part to connections made through Quantum Scholars.

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Special Competitive Studies Project commits funding for Quantum Scholars

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 17:46:37 +0000

Special Competitive Studies Project commits funding for Quantum Scholars Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 07/28/2025 - 11:46

New funding from the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) will support growing demand for the Quantum Scholars program, providing approximately 25 new scholarships for the innovative program.

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Quantum Scholar’s journey into the future of computing

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 17:44:36 +0000

Quantum Scholar’s journey into the future of computing Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 06/09/2025 - 11:44

Arjun Dalwadi, a third-year electrical and computer engineering student, is immersing himself in all things quantum through the Quantum Scholars program and as an undergraduate researcher in the Gyenis Lab. Dalwadi is on the journey to make an impact for quantum computing.

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Quantum Scholars gain perspective and find community

Kirsten Apodaca — Tue, 27 May 2025 17:43:35 +0000

Quantum Scholars gain perspective and find community Kirsten Apodaca Tue, 05/27/2025 - 11:43

Students are getting a unique perspective on the quantum field and industry through a program they themselves are helping to shape. Quantum Scholars, which launched in 2023, is providing community and fellowships to students in physics, engineering, mathematics and computer science.

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Scholars aim to help women make a quantum leap

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:42:21 +0000

Scholars aim to help women make a quantum leap Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 04/30/2025 - 11:42

Quantum Scholars Emily Jerris and Annalise Cabra started CU Women of Quantum to help women interested in careers in quantum to network and share experiences.

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CU President Todd Saliman speaks at Quantum Scholars Meeting

Kirsten Apodaca — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 18:40:16 +0000

CU President Todd Saliman speaks at Quantum Scholars Meeting Kirsten Apodaca Wed, 12/11/2024 - 11:40

At the program’s December meeting, Todd Saliman reaffirmed CU’s commitment to the quantum education and research happening on campus.

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Quantum Scholars program draws new sponsors from industry, alums

Kirsten Apodaca — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 17:37:31 +0000

Quantum Scholars program draws new sponsors from industry, alums Kirsten Apodaca Thu, 06/20/2024 - 11:37

The Quantum Scholars program has garnered support from several new sponsors, leading to an increase in the number of fellowships available for students this fall.

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End of year celebration concludes second year of Quantum Scholars

Kirsten Apodaca — Mon, 06 May 2024 17:32:19 +0000

End of year celebration concludes second year of Quantum Scholars Kirsten Apodaca Mon, 05/06/2024 - 11:32

Quantum Scholars hosted an end of year celebration in late April, marking an end to the second year of this highly successful and innovative program. Over 50 students participated in Quantum Scholars this year, with just over half receiving fellowships.

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Quantum Scholars cohort tours KMLabs

Kirsten Apodaca — Fri, 03 May 2024 17:28:24 +0000

Quantum Scholars cohort tours KMLabs Kirsten Apodaca Fri, 05/03/2024 - 11:28

On April 12, a cohort of Quantum Scholars toured KMLabs, an industry leader in ultrafast laser and X-ray science and an Affiliate of the Quantum Scholars program. KMLabs was founded by Physics Professors and JILA Fellows Henry Kapteyn and Margaret Murnane and began with technologies that were developed at their labs in JILA.

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News

Meadowlark Optics invests in ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ Quantum Scholars

Meadowlark’s roots

Supporting the next generation of quantum leaders

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If at first you don’t succeed: Outstanding grad’s perseverance pays off

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Special Competitive Studies Project commits funding for Quantum Scholars

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Quantum Scholar’s journey into the future of computing

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Quantum Scholars gain perspective and find community

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Scholars aim to help women make a quantum leap

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CU President Todd Saliman speaks at Quantum Scholars Meeting

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Quantum Scholars program draws new sponsors from industry, alums

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End of year celebration concludes second year of Quantum Scholars

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Quantum Scholars cohort tours KMLabs

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Meadowlark Optics invests in ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Quantum Scholars